Major city · Indonesia
Tabanan
Base in Tabanan only if you want Batukaru, Jatiluwih and black-sand coast: 2 nights with a driver, 1 if you just pass through.
Tabanan is the capital town of Bali's largest regency, and the town itself is a working Indonesian market town with almost nothing aimed at visitors. The reason to come is the regency around it: Mount Batukaru (2,276 m), the Jatiluwih rice terraces, the Mengwi water temple and quiet black-sand beaches. Sights are 10–40 km apart and public transport is thin, so a car and driver or a scooter is close to mandatory. Most travellers sleep in Ubud and day-trip west; sleeping out here buys you early starts and empty roads.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- IDR
- Best months
- Apr–Oct (dry season); Jul–Aug for the Batukaru climb
- avoid Nov–Mar (wet season, heaviest rain in Bali; Batukaru trails unsafe)
- Airport
- DPS
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Indonesia ↗Buy the visa on arrival or e-visa only on the official Immigration portal; lookalike sites charge extra.
- Indonesia ↗Complete the All Indonesia digital arrival and customs form before landing; it is free.
- Indonesia ↗Foreign visitors to Bali pay a one-off tourist levy; keep the payment proof on your phone.
- Indonesia ↗Riding a motorbike needs a valid licence that covers motorbikes (an international permit alongside your own) and a helmet; check your insurance covers it.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Tabanan112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Tabanan, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Rupiah (Rp) in small notes for warungs, parking, offerings and drivers; large cards are common in tourist restaurants but not everywhere.Indonesia-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckTelkomsel, XL and Indosat sell tourist SIMs at airports; foreign phones must be IMEI-registered if staying over 90 days — check.Indonesia-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations common in Bali.Indonesia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Often 10% service + tax on the bill; nothing more needed.Indonesia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Indonesia-wide
- SafetyTabanan is a low-crime rural regency; the real risks are road accidents, wet-season landslides and unguarded surf.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern in hotels and cafés; squat toilets with a water scoop elsewhere; paper in the bin.Indonesia-wide
- Emergency numbers112 General emergency · 110 police · 118 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysBali shuts completely for Nyepi; government offices close Friday midday for prayer; Lebaran slows the country for two weeks.Indonesia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDPS Ngurah Rai International (Denpasar) (About 1.5–2 h by car to Tabanan town; 2–2.5 h to Batukaru or Jatiluwih.
- Getting aroundNo useful public transport for visitors.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a mountain plantation stopRp 25,000–50,000
- Beerlarge Bintang at a beach bar / can at a minimartRp 50,000–80,000Rp 25,000–35,000
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or local data SIM, about a weekRp 100,000–200,000
- Museum or sight ticketBali Butterfly Park entryRp 60,000
- Budget bedGuesthouse or homestay double, a night, per roomRp250,000
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or homestay double, a night, per roomRp450,000
- High-end bedGuesthouse or homestay double, a night, per roomRp900,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget Rp450,000 · Mid Rp900,000 · High Rp2,000,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DPS Ngurah Rai International (Denpasar) (About 1.5–2 h by car to Tabanan town; 2–2.5 h to Batukaru or Jatiluwih. No train or metro on Bali.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Dec
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: Apr–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jul (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest Jan (20 rain days), driest Jul (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Tabanan: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
20 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
6 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9 rd
Nov
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
19 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
No useful public transport for visitors. Bemos still run from Denpasar's Ubung terminal to Pesiapan on the north edge of Tabanan town, but they do not reach the temples, terraces or beaches. Practical options: hire a car with driver for the day (the usual choice), rent a scooter only if you are licensed and confident on narrow, unlit, steep roads, or join a small-group tour. Distances: Tabanan town to Mengwi about 8 km, to Jatiluwih about 25 km, to Pura Luhur Batukaru about 20 km uphill, to Yeh Gangga about 12 km.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Jatiluwih rice terraces
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Car or scooter north from Tabanan town via Penebel, about 25 km (16 mi)Car or scooter north from Tabanan town via Penebel, about 16 mi (25 km)
Subak-irrigated terraces on the UNESCO list; entry fee per person, and the loop road is best walked in the morning.
Pura Luhur Batukaru
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Car or scooter to Wongayagede, then a short walk
Sarong and sash required; often misty and wet even in the dry season.
Pura Taman Ayun, Mengwi
goDoor to door: About 30 min each way
Car or scooter east on the main road, about 8 km (5 mi)Car or scooter east on the main road, about 5 mi (8 km)
Moated royal temple with terraced courtyards; pairs well with Sangeh monkey forest.
Door to door: 1.5–2 h
Car via Mengwi and Bedugul road, or the longer southern route
Too slow for a comfortable return day with sightseeing; move base instead.
Door to door: About 1 h
Car west along the coast road
Long left-hand point break, quiet village, few facilities.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Tabanan town
Local guesthouses and the night market; cheapest beds, no tourist scene, handy for the Subak Museum and the coast road.
Mengwi / Marga (east)
Closest to Pura Taman Ayun and the airport road; village homestays and small resorts, 20–30 min from Tabanan town.
Batukaru slopes (Wongayagede, Sarinbuana, Sanda)
Mountain eco-lodges, cool nights, mist and rain; 45–75 min up from Tabanan town on winding roads. Best for trekkers.
Yeh Gangga and the south coast
Black-sand beach hotels and villas, 20–30 min from town. Swimming is limited: strong surf and dark volcanic sand.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- Rp 400,000–700,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- Rp 700,000–1,500,000 excl. bed
- High
- Rp 1,500,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Villa or resort double1 × 2 nights × Rp1,400,000 | Rp2,800,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × Rp900,000 | Rp3,600,000 |
| Car with driver, full day1 × Rp800,000 · fuel and parking usually included, tip extra | Rp800,000 |
| Scooter rental, one day2 × Rp80,000 · helmet and international licence required | Rp160,000 |
| Batukaru summit guide, day return1 × Rp900,000 · Rp 800,000–1,000,000 for an experienced guide | Rp900,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × Rp150,000 | Rp300,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | Rp856,000 |
| Trip total≈ Rp2,354,000 per person per day, bed included | Rp9,416,000≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in rupiah; flights and long-distance transfers excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a mountain plantation stop | Rp 25,000–50,000 |
| Local warung meal (nasi campur, mie goreng) | Rp 25,000–60,000 |
| Beer: large Bintang at a beach bar / can at a minimart | Rp 50,000–80,000 / Rp 25,000–35,000 |
| Bali Butterfly Park entry | Rp 60,000 |
| Pura Taman Ayun entryforeign visitors may pay a higher rate | Rp 6,000 |
| Subak Museum entry | Rp 5,000 |
| Sangeh monkey forest entrydomestic and foreign rates can differ | Rp 6,000 |
| Car with driver, full day | Rp 600,000–1,200,000 |
| eSIM or local data SIM, about a week | Rp 100,000–200,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Wet season (Nov–Mar) brings heavy rain and slick trails; do not attempt the Batukaru climb when rain is forecast.
- The Batukaru summit trek is 6–7 h up on the hardest route and needs a guide; start before dawn and carry all your own water and food.
- No beef or beef products are allowed on Mount Batukaru, which is a sacred site.
- Temple rules at Pura Luhur Batukaru are strict: sarong and sash required, and some areas are closed during ceremonies.
- Some west-coast beaches have strong currents and no lifeguards; ask locally before swimming.
- Scooter accidents are the main risk for visitors here: unlit roads, gravel and steep descents.
- Carry cash. ATMs exist in Tabanan town but are scarce in the mountain villages, and many small warungs take cash only.
Emergency numbers
- General emergency
- 112
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance
- 118
- Fire
- 113
Pocket card
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TabananTabanan
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Ke alamat ini, yaTo this address, please
Emergency
- General emergency112
- Police110
- Ambulance118
Embassy
No embassies in Tabanan. Consulates (Australia, US, UK and others) are in Denpasar or Kuta; embassies are in Jakarta.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- DPS airport → Tabanan town, car with driver: Rp 400,000–600,000, about 1.5–2 h
- Car with driver, full day in the regency: Rp 600,000–1,200,000
- Scooter rental, one day: Rp 70,000–100,000
Say or show
- Selamat pagi — Good morning (suh-LAH-mat PAH-gee)
- Terima kasih — Thank you (tuh-REE-mah KAH-see)
- Berapa harganya? — How much is it? (buh-RAH-pah har-GAH-nyah)
- Di mana toilet? — Where is the toilet? (dee MAH-nah TOY-let)
- Tidak, terima kasih — I don't want it, thank you (TEE-dak, tuh-REE-mah KAH-see)
- Tolong — Help (TOH-long)
Tipping is not expected; round up or leave Rp 20,000–50,000 for drivers and guides.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Tabanan. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct (dry season); Jul–Aug for the Batukaru climb · avoid Nov–Mar (wet season, heaviest rain in Bali; Batukaru trails unsafe) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 7 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for DPS: realistic drive times by time of day, driver rates, and a late-arrival fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Tabanan town, Mengwi and Marga, the Batukaru slopes, and the Yeh Gangga coast.
- Place pages with verified hours and fees (Pura Taman Ayun, Pura Luhur Batukaru, Jatiluwih, Subak Museum, Sangeh) and eat pages with night-market hours.
- Wet-season and ceremony closures as fixtures so gates A–D can go green.